Dubai holidays

Essential Information

Currency

UAE Dirham
1.00 USD = 3.67 AED

Why Dubai

Dubai has managed to surpass the capital, Abu Dhabi, to become known as the jewel in the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE’s) crown. Dubai City, alone, has been labelled the City of Superlatives – it is home to the tallest structure in the world, the largest shopping mall on the planet, and the most luxurious hotels anywhere are all found in Dubai. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the old quarter of Dubai is alive with traditional dhow boats and rich, spice-scented souks.

Dubai is a city where you can discover a different side each time you visit. Whether it is your first time here or you are a returning visitor, you will always find plenty of new and exciting things to see and do. Bask in the year-round desert sunshine as you explore this glittering metropolis.

On Dubai holidays discover Deira’s traditional souks, they are filled with intoxicating smells and the incredible stalls are truly a sight to behold – with spices piled high and glittering gold. Then there are the superlatives - a trip to the spectacular Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, before visiting to the luxurious neighborhood of Jumeriah Palms. Savor mouth-watering cuisine at world-class international restaurants and watch the sun go down while sipping on cocktails. More adventurous travelers should not miss the opportunity to head out into the desert to experience life like a Bedouin.

Book your flights and accommodation in Dubai to enjoy a truly awe-inspiring city break.

Climate

Dubai enjoys a seasonal climate that is sunny and warm due to being located near the Tropic of Cancer line making it perfect for holidays to Dubai almost year-round. In summer, Dubai’s weather is incredibly hot, dry and humid, and temperatures regularly reach 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit) – pattern that can extend for many days. Even the temperature of the sea can reach 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit), and humidity can average more than 90%.

Winters are short and warm with average highs of 23 degrees Celsius (73 Fahrenheit) and lows overnight lows of 14 degrees Celsius (57 Fahrenheit). Rainfall has been increasing in the last few decades and typically occurs between December and March, the weather is still warm at this times and it is considered to be the most comfortable weather conditions of the year.

How to Spend Your Dubai Holidays

If you’re visiting Dubai, it goes without saying you will pay a visit to the Burj Khalifa. However, what you may not know is you have to book in advance or you may not get a time slot. While you book, to try to sign up for the sunrise slot as this timeslot gives you the chance to see the city lights by night and watch the dawn on the horizon.

Another must do on Dubai holidays is a desert safari. There are multiple tour packages offering this available. All safaris include dune bashing, sheesha, belly dancing, quad bike rides, tanura dance and a meal. The basic differences between them lies in which desert they will take you to and in the food provided. Book for Hatta Oman in Dubai and not the Sharjah safari. It also pays to book in advance to enable you negotiate a more economic trip rather than trying to book after reaching Dubai as the prices can double.

For those wanting to experience a rush of adrenaline on holidays to Dubai, there are plenty of options on offer. Firstly there is Ferrari World on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island about an hour drive from Dubai. If you feel brave take a ride on the world’s fastest rollercoaster, the Formula Rossa. There’s multiple other attractions for all ages. It is better to visit on a working day to avoid large crowds and queues.

Another must-do on your holidays in Dubai check-list is the stunning Atlantis hotel which offers not only hospitality but also private beach access, water rides and the chance to interact with dolphins at Aquaventure waterpark.

Another is the Wild Wadi Water Park located in the picturesque and swanky Jumeirah area, not far from the 7-star Burj Al Arab hotel.

If you are into more sedate pursuits and like to relax while on holiday, you could take the Dhow cruise which sails the creek and offers a dinner with the booking as well. Yellow boat rides are also enjoyable because you get a guided marine tour of Dubai’s prominent attractions like Palm Jumeirah hotel, Dubai Marina bay, Burj Al Arab, and Palm Lagoon. It also pays to book in advance.

Dubai is renowned for being one of the best shopping destinations of the world. There are multiple malls and number one is Dubai mall – the world’s largest mall, boasting about 1200 shops, it is next to the Burj Khalifa. The Mall of Emirates is also a large-scale mall and features Ski Dubai, offering ice and snow-related activities.

Souks (bazaars) are a reminder of Dubai’s past. Found in the Deira area, here you can see the real Dubai. The gold souks being the best-known. Be sure to try your hand at haggling and you may get some great deals.

Where to Stay

While Dubai remains mostly known as a luxury travel destination, there are still plenty of places to unpack your suitcase that won’t send you bankrupt on Dubai holidays. They range from budget hotels or hotel apartments to the usual international chain and shamefully luxurious resorts such as Burj al-Arab. Dubai is home to more than 50,000 guest beds to be found on holidays to Dubai and there is not a Bedouin tent to be seen.

When to Go

The UAE Features a subtropical climate, meaning skies are generally blue and cloud cover occurs seldom. Rain is scarce and usually falls between November and April. It is between these months that is the best time for a visit. During these months temperatures sit around the mid-20 degrees Celsius – which is great for taking in the sun and sightseeing. If you visit during summer, however, arm yourself with plenty of sun screen. The temperature can soar up to 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit), this leads to many outdoor activities being closed over the summer season due to the heat. Mercifully, there are plenty of air-conditioned buildings to cool down in on holidays in Dubai.

How to Get to Dubai

Dubai is situated half way between the Far East and Europe and is an equal distance from both London and Beijing, this means most major Asian, African, European and Russian destinations are less than eight-hour’s flight away.

An excellent network of highways connects neighboring Arab countries, and with regular cruises to and from Dubai, the emirate is easily accessed by air, land, and sea.

More than 125 airlines fly into Dubai from destinations around the world. The main airport is Dubai International Airport. However, you can also get to Dubai by using Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) in the nearby Sharjah emirate and from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi.

Planning Your Holidays to Dubai

The leading factor to consider when planning holidays in Dubai is the climate.

From mid-October through to mid-April, while more northern climes are buttoned up to ward off the cold, Dubai is bathing in sunshine, blue skies, and warm temperatures. This represents the high season and the time most outdoor activities and special events take place. It also represents the most expensive period.

A benefit of visiting during off-season is the fact prices fall and you may find cheap holidays to Dubai, and if your goal is to shop in the malls, outside temperatures may not matter much.

However, if you want beach time, to take in the theme parks, or visit the desert, it is best to stay away during the sweltering summer months.

Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world, but it still an Islamic society, and non-Muslims are expected to respect local customs. This means not wearing provocative clothing on Dubai holidays or show public displays of affection in places occupied by Emirati locals. Dubai look like a large-scale Western resort, but at its heart it is still a traditional society.

Conclusion

The past meets the future in the Gulf’s most fascinating city, with a range of attractions from wooden dhows and traditional souks through to towering skyscrapers and even artificial islands.

Discover this amazing area for yourself with Booked.net and our Dubai holiday packages.